Pregnancy | Mothercare Expectant Parent Evening 2015

I recently attended a ‘Mothercare Expectant Parent Evening’ held at my local store. I had previously attended one when I was pregnant with Toby so more or less knew what to expect, but still thought it would be good to go to. That way I could make sure I was up to date with everything, and see if I could pick up a bargain… or two!

Upon entering the store you’re greeted by a staff member who checks your name off the ‘guest list’ (you do have to book these events – easily done through the store, or over the internet) and you’re given a goody bag. I remember the first goody bag I got, and I have to say they had definitely improved. I certainly don’t expect anything lavish for free, but they’d really gone to a lot of effort to make sure the items in the bag were of good quality, and were likely to get use which was really pleasing.

You’re told about the time the talks take place and they highlight that you get an extra 20% off during the evening. Your attention is also drawn to the 10% off voucher attached to the bag, which usually last 2 weeks past the event date – great if you’ve had to attend alone, or are undecided on buying something and want to mull it over.

The first thing I looked at during the Mothercare Expectant Parent Evening was the NCT stand who talked about the different things they offer. Everything from ‘nearly new’ sales to baby groups, although their groups weren’t completely local which is a shame. Luckily their sales are held just down the road from where I live so I’ll be going to their next one in the hope of us getting some last minute baby bits (not that we need any).

Secondly, and rather importantly, they had a St Johns Ambulance stand offering free first aid advice. Demonstrations were also on the go with a doll and you’re able to have a go which is even better. I find that getting hands on with something, especially when it comes to children, makes you feel more comfortable should you ever have to do it. Water Babies also made an appearance, but since we already go to this on a Friday afternoon, it seemed a bit pointless having the conversation with them, although it was lovely to see them getting lots of interest because they’re so worthwhile.

The last stand at the Mothercare Expectant Parent Evening was an independent midwife who was offering some really good advice. I managed to have quite a lengthy conversation with her about my issues post birth with Toby and it was good to get an outside view. She had a selection of books and suggested that I look at several different options so that I’m aware of everything available. I have now, as you might have read, made my decision about the way I’m going to give birth, though this is not really out of choice – more necessity for the longevity of my continence.

The talks were very informative; the first being on installing car seats and the second they spent demonstrating the different types of pushchairs. Although we already have both it’s always a good idea to make sure your knowledge is up to scratch, especially when the guidelines are constantly under review.

I also had a very good look around all the clothes, toys and baby accessories. There were lots of items which had been reduced in price, though I didn’t think they were particularly competitive. I really wanted a Tommee Tippee breast pump (manual) as this is what I used last time, but I borrowed a friends. To buy one at this evening would’ve been £19.99 with 10% off. However, using an online retailer I can get the same thing for £12.99. So yes, while there are discounts, they don’t always offer the best deals and if money is tight, or you’re looking for a really good deal, it’s worth having in mind what you might be looking for and researching the prices before hand.

I managed to come away from the Mothercare Expectant Parent Evening with a few essential bits at a good price, so it was definitely worth going! Here’s what was in my goody bag;

40 disposable Avent breast pads

2 Lansinoh breast milk storage bags

2 x samples Lansinoh disposable breast pads

3-in-1 Ariel washing sample

Pregnacare stretch mark cream (full size)

Trial size pack of Pregnacare vitamins

Ellas Kitchen pouch

Sample size of Bepanthen nappy cream

4 Milton sterilising tablets (which we use, bonus!)

10% off voucher for the store.

If you’re an expectant mum, you can sign up for the baby club on their website and you should be alerted when your local Mothercare Expectant Parent Evening event is!

Wow, what a fab thing. I have never heard of this before and it sounds like a really interesting worth while event! I find Mothercare isn’t always that great for prices or maybe that’s just because we are all so savy at online browsing! Love a goody bag and this looks like a good one. Thank you for linking up #MummyMonday xx

I went to one of these a few weeks ago at my local mothercare; we didn’t get any first aid information which was one of the reasons I wanted to go, and I didn’t get a fair few of the things in your goody-bag! It was informative but I did feel like they were just trying to sell me things rather than inform. Glad you had a better experience!

Oh no, that’s such a shame! Maybe it differs from store to store. I genuinely had nobody try to sell me anything, they would just ask if I needed any help or would ask if I’d like a demo on some of the products they had on display! It was so much better than the first one I went to x